How to Make Faster Decisions Without Overthinking

How to Make Faster Decisions Without Overthinking - Photo by Andreas Klassen on Unsplash

Making decisions is rarely as easy as it sounds. We often get stuck, unsure which way to go, even with the smallest choices. Take something as simple as deciding where to work for the afternoon. Personally, I love working from cafés—Starbucks, Caffè Nero, Costa, or even small independent places. Yet, I sometimes find myself hesitating at the door, thinking, “I was here yesterday,” or “Will people notice I’m always here?” I end up wasting time, wandering around, not sure if I should go in or try somewhere else.

This hesitation isn’t limited to cafés. I remember living in Dublin and wanting to try a particular café by the river. I kept putting it off, even setting reminders to go after work. It was only after I moved away and returned with my mother that I finally went. For months, I’d wanted to go, but something always held me back.

What’s really happening here? The word “decision” comes from the Latin “decidere,” which means “to cut off.” Once you decide, you cut off other options. But we spend so much time thinking about what we might miss that we end up stuck, losing precious time.

Here’s a simple trick that has helped me: always have a default decision. Set a timer—three or five minutes, nothing more. Give yourself that time to think, maybe take a short walk or a bathroom break. When the timer goes off, you either make your choice or go with your default. Once you decide, stick with it. No turning back, no endless second-guessing.

How to Make Faster Decisions Without Overthinking - Photo by Ahmed Almakhzanji on Unsplash

This approach isn’t just for small things. I’ve struggled with big decisions too. For example, I once had two job offers: one in Adelaide with a certain salary, and another in Sydney with a different role. I spent two days agonizing over it, even taking a day off work because I felt sick from all the stress. It made me realize how much energy I was wasting.

Over time, I’ve learned that the faster you decide, the more you can focus on what really matters. For big moves—like relocating to Ireland, the UK, or New Zealand—I always knew what I wanted. Once I made the decision, I didn’t look back. The problem is usually with the smaller, everyday choices that pile up and drain us.

If you find yourself stuck in indecision, try the timer method. Make a default choice and commit. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Indecision is the thief of opportunity.

— Jim Rohn

Key Takeaways

How to Make Faster Decisions Without Overthinking - Photo by Mauricio Alarcón on Unsplash

• Set a timer for small decisions—three to five minutes is enough.
• Always have a default option ready if you can’t decide.
• Once you decide, commit and don’t look back.
• Save your energy for choices that truly matter.

Reflection

• What small decisions are you overthinking today?
• How much time could you save by deciding faster?
• What’s your default choice for everyday dilemmas?